Immunostimulatory Effect of Honey Based on Royal Jelly Protein Content

International Immunopharmacology, Volume 6, Issue 2, February 2006, Pages 269-278

Abstract: Apalbumin1 (Apa1) is the major royal jelly (RJ) and honey glycoprotein having various biological properties. We have previously demonstrated that Apa1 is a regular component of honey and honeybee pollen and stimulates macrophages to release tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). . .

It has been determined that recombinant N-terminal fragment of Apa1 is the most active elicitor of TNFα release in comparison to other three protein fragments of Apa1, as well as to the native Apa1 and rApa1.

Furthermore, it was found that native honey was able to stimulate TNFα secretion from murine macrophages, whereas the deproteinized honey had no effect on the release of TNFα. This result suggests that immunostimulatory effect of honey is based on its RJ-protein content, primarily on its dominant protein Apa1.

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